LDREN, CONTINUED

Mastitis or Inflammation of the Breasts in Infancy--Mastitis in Young
Girls--Let Your Ears Alone--Never Box a Child's Ears--Do Not Pick the
Ears--Earache--Inflammation of the Ear--Acute Otitis--Swollen
Glands--Acute Adenitis--Swollen Glands in the
Groin--Boils--Hives--Nettle Rash--Prickly Heat--Ringworm in the
Scalp--Eczema--Poor Blood--Simple Anemia--Chlorosis--Severe
Anemia--Pernicious Anemia

MASTITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE BREASTS IN INFANCY

There are a few drops of a milky secretion in the breasts of infants
when born. Occasionally the amount will be in excess of the normal
quantity, and the breasts, around the nipple, may be swollen and
slightly inflamed. Should this condition persist, it may be relieved by
painting the parts with the tincture of belladonna. Under no
circumstances should the breasts be manipulated or rubbed, as this is
very apt to cause an inflammatory condition, and to result in mastitis.

Mastitis begins, as a rule, during the second week of life. The breast
becomes red, swollen, painful, and shows inflammatory changes. It may
terminate without the formation of an abscess, or it may go on to
suppuration. The child becomes extremely restless and irritable, it is
disinclined to nurse, and suffers from loss of sleep and nourishment. It
is possible for such a condition, in the female, to injure the breast to
the extent of arresting its development and to render it useless in the
future. If the suppuration is extensive the process may terminate
fatally.

Mastitis in infants is caused by unnecessary interference and
manipulation and by want of cleanliness. When it occurs the parts should
be kept absolutely clean and should not be handled in any way. Ichthyol
25 per cent., Zinc Oxide Ointment, enough to make one ounce, spread
upon old, clean, soft linen, and laid over the parts and changed every
six hours, is an excellent healing application. A piece of oiled silk
may be put outside the linen to prevent the ointment staining the
clothing, and over this a layer of absorbent cotton and a binder,
applied without pressure.

If an abscess develops in spite of treatment, it must be freely opened
and freely drained, and the general health of the patient supported by
regular nourishment and tonics.

Mastitis in Young Girls.--Pain and swelling of the breasts are
sometimes complained of by girls between the twelfth and fifteenth
years, though it may occur at an earlier or later dat